How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Coil in a Hyundai Elantra?

Replacing an ignition coil in a Hyundai Elantra typically costs between $150 and $350 per coil at a repair shop in the U.S., including parts and labor, though do‑it‑yourself owners can sometimes do the job for $60 to $150 per coil in parts alone. The exact price depends on the model year, engine type, your location, and whether you use OEM (Hyundai) or aftermarket parts.

What the Ignition Coil Does — and Why It Matters

The ignition coil is a critical component that transforms the battery’s low voltage into the high voltage needed to fire the spark plugs. On most late‑model Hyundai Elantras, each cylinder has its own coil (a “coil‑on‑plug” setup). When a coil fails or weakens, it can cause misfires, rough running, higher fuel consumption, and even long‑term damage to the catalytic converter if ignored.

Typical Price Range for a Hyundai Elantra Coil Replacement

Across U.S. repair shops in 2024–2025, the total cost to replace a single ignition coil on a Hyundai Elantra generally falls into a predictable range, influenced by parts pricing and local labor rates.

• Average total cost (per coil) at an independent shop: $180–$280
• Average total cost (per coil) at a Hyundai dealership: $220–$350
• DIY parts cost (per coil): $60–$150
• Labor time (professional): 0.5–1.0 hour per coil
• Typical hourly labor rate (U.S.): $90–$175 per hour

Taken together, these figures show that the largest variables are where you go (dealer vs. independent shop) and which coil brand you choose, with labor playing a smaller but still significant role for a job that is relatively quick on most Elantra engines.

Cost Breakdown: Parts vs. Labor

Parts Cost

The ignition coil itself is the main cost driver. Modern Hyundai Elantras (roughly 2011 onward) use individual coil‑on‑plug units, and each one is priced separately.

The following list explains how different factors influence the parts price for Hyundai Elantra ignition coils.

• OEM Hyundai coil from dealer: Typically $120–$220 per coil
• OEM‑equivalent (Bosch, Denso, NGK, Delphi, etc.): Around $80–$150 per coil
• Budget aftermarket coil (generic brands online): As low as $40–$80 per coil
• Online vs. in‑store: Online retailers often undercut local parts stores by 10–30%
• Set pricing: Buying a full set (e.g., four coils) can lower cost per unit compared with single‑coil purchases

When all these elements are considered, most owners find a mid‑range aftermarket or OEM‑equivalent coil offers the best balance between cost, reliability, and warranty coverage, especially for out‑of‑warranty vehicles.

Labor Cost

On many Hyundai Elantra engines, replacing an ignition coil is straightforward: remove the engine cover, unplug the coil connector, remove a small bolt, and lift the coil out. Labor costs, however, still vary significantly by region and shop type.

The next list breaks down the main influences on labor cost for replacing a coil in a Hyundai Elantra.

• Book labor time (per coil): 0.4–0.8 hours on most Elantra engines
• Independent shops: Commonly charge $90–$140 per hour
• Dealerships: Often charge $130–$175 per hour
• Access difficulty: Some model years/engines have plastic covers or intake components that slightly increase labor time
• Diagnostic time: Shops may add 0.5–1.0 hour to confirm a misfire and identify the failing coil

When diagnostics are added, the total shop bill may be higher than the raw coil‑replacement time suggests, but this ensures that the right coil and any related issues (such as spark plug condition) are correctly identified.

How Model Year and Engine Affect the Price

Hyundai Elantra costs vary somewhat by generation and engine type, though the broad ranges remain similar. Newer models often have slightly higher OEM part prices but similar labor time.

Approximate Costs by Generation (U.S. Market)

The following list outlines how ignition coil replacement costs typically vary by Hyundai Elantra generation and engine, based on common pricing as of 2024–2025.

• 2011–2016 Elantra (MD/UD; 1.8L, some 2.0L):
  

  • Parts: $70–$180 per coil
  • Labor: $80–$160 total (0.5–0.9 hr)
  • Typical total: $160–$320 per coil

• 2017–2020 Elantra (AD; 2.0L, 1.4T, 1.6T):
  

  • Parts: $80–$200 per coil (turbo models sometimes higher)
  • Labor: $90–$170 total
  • Typical total: $180–$340 per coil

• 2021–present Elantra (CN7; 2.0L, 1.6T, Hybrid):
  

  • Parts: $90–$220 per coil
  • Labor: $90–$180 total
  • Typical total: $190–$380 per coil (dealer on the high end)

• Older models (pre‑2011):
  

  • Parts: Often $60–$140 per coil, depending on engine
  • Labor: 0.7–1.2 hours if access is tighter
  • Typical total: $160–$320 per coil

While the ranges overlap, they illustrate that newer and turbocharged models can push parts costs higher, whereas labor remains in roughly the same band for most Elantras.

Dealer vs. Independent Shop vs. DIY

Dealership Service

Hyundai dealerships generally charge more but use Hyundai OEM parts and have model‑specific diagnostic tools and technical bulletins.

The next list highlights the typical pros and cons of using a Hyundai dealership for coil replacement.

• Pros: OEM parts, brand‑specific expertise, software updates and recalls addressed during visit
• Cons: Higher labor rate, higher parts markup, less flexibility on using aftermarket parts
• Typical coil replacement cost: $220–$350 per coil, not including additional recommended services

For newer Elantras still under warranty or for owners who strongly prefer OEM parts and dealer records, this higher cost can be worth the added confidence and documentation.

Independent Repair Shop

A reputable independent shop can often perform the same job for less, especially if you are not strictly tied to OEM parts.

The following list details the major advantages and trade‑offs of choosing an independent garage.

• Pros: Lower labor rates, flexible on part brands, often more competitive quotes
• Cons: Quality can vary; important to choose a well‑reviewed shop with ASE‑certified technicians
• Typical coil replacement cost: $150–$280 per coil, depending on part choice and labor rate

For many out‑of‑warranty Elantras, an independent shop offers the best cost‑to‑value ratio, as long as the shop stands behind its work and parts with a solid warranty.

DIY Replacement

For owners comfortable with basic tools, DIY coil replacement on many Elantras is feasible and can cut costs substantially.

The following list summarizes the key considerations for a do‑it‑yourself coil replacement on a Hyundai Elantra.

• Parts cost: $60–$150 per coil, depending on brand and where you purchase
• Tools needed: Basic socket set, extension, possibly a torque wrench, and a scan tool to clear codes
• Difficulty level: Easy to moderate on most naturally aspirated 1.8L and 2.0L engines; slightly more involved on some turbo engines
• Time required: About 30–90 minutes, including removing covers and verifying the repair
• Risk: Misdiagnosing the problem, damaging connectors or threads, or failing to fix underlying issues such as worn spark plugs or wiring

DIY offers the biggest savings, but it is best suited to owners willing to research proper procedures, use reliable parts, and safely handle basic mechanical tasks under the hood.

Should You Replace One Coil or All of Them?

Many owners face the decision of whether to replace just the failed coil or proactively replace the full set, especially on higher‑mileage vehicles where multiple coils may be near the end of their service life.

The following list lays out the common approaches and their financial implications when coils fail on a Hyundai Elantra.

• Replace only the bad coil:
  

  • Lowest immediate cost
  • Often appropriate if the vehicle has relatively low mileage
  • Risk that another older coil may fail soon after

• Replace all coils on one bank or all cylinders:
  

  • Higher upfront cost but can prevent repeated shop visits
  • May be advisable above ~100,000 miles if multiple misfires have occurred
  • Some shops offer discounts when replacing a full set at once

• Replace coils together with spark plugs:
  

  • Efficient if spark plugs are due anyway
  • Labor overlap can save money versus doing the jobs separately
  • Improves performance and reduces stress on new coils

Your decision should balance current budget, vehicle mileage, and how long you plan to keep the car, with many mechanics recommending a more comprehensive approach on older, higher‑mileage Elantras.

Other Costs to Watch For

In some cases, a coil replacement is straightforward and limited to a single part. In others, additional components or services may be recommended to ensure a lasting repair.

The list below outlines potential add‑on costs that can appear on an Elantra coil replacement estimate.

• Diagnostic fee: $80–$150 to scan for trouble codes, test coils, and check related systems
• Spark plug replacement: $100–$250 for a set, including labor; highly recommended if plugs are old
• Ignition wires/boots (on older models): $50–$150 if applicable and deteriorated
• Carbon cleaning or fuel system service: Sometimes suggested if misfires are severe or long‑standing
• ECU software updates: Dealers may apply updates during service, potentially bundled into the visit

Understanding these potential extras helps you distinguish between necessary, preventive, and purely optional work when reviewing a repair estimate.

How to Get an Accurate Estimate for Your Elantra

Because exact pricing depends heavily on your car and your location, obtaining targeted quotes for your specific Elantra is essential before authorizing repairs.

The following list provides practical steps to secure a realistic and transparent cost estimate for coil replacement.

• Have your VIN ready: This ensures the shop looks up the correct coil part number and labor time
• Specify the symptom or fault code: For example, “Check Engine light, misfire on cylinder 3, code P0303”
• Ask for a line‑item estimate: Request a breakdown of parts, labor hours, labor rate, and diagnostic fees
• Compare at least two shops: Check one dealer and one or two well‑reviewed independent shops
• Ask about parts brand and warranty: Clarify whether the shop uses OEM or aftermarket coils and how long they are guaranteed

By following these steps, you can avoid surprises at the counter and choose the option that best matches your budget and expectations for reliability.

Summary

For a Hyundai Elantra, replacing a single ignition coil generally costs $150–$350 per coil at a professional shop in the U.S., with dealerships on the higher end and independent garages often undercutting them. Parts typically run $60–$220 per coil depending on brand and model year, while labor usually adds $80–$180. DIY‑capable owners can reduce the expense to the price of the coil itself, but must be confident in diagnosis and installation. Actual cost will depend on your Elantra’s generation, local labor rates, the quality of parts chosen, and whether you replace just one coil or a full set along with spark plugs.